Q: It seems as though there has been an air quality alert almost every day this summer. Is this a problem I should worry about?

A: Air quality can be compromised in many ways. Excess ground-level ozone, spikes of pollen activity, and, this year, wildfire smoke have all affected our air quality. National Jewish Health cautions that air quality is especially important to individuals with chronic respiratory conditions such as asthma, chronic bronchitis, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, also known as COPD. Furthermore, airborne particles in smoke can also increase the risk of blood clots, angina episodes, heart attacks and strokes in individuals with cardiovascular disease.

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Even if you don't have any pre-existing respiratory conditions, the National Jewish website notes that wildfire smoke can still trigger breathing difficulties, coughing, chest discomfort, and wheezing or shortness of breath. Such symptoms may be worse for the very young and the elderly.

High heat and low humidity make it all worse. Smoke and particulate matter linger in the air longer and more ozone forms at ground level as heat and sunlight interact. This year's record-breaking heat has kept ozone at the ground high day after day.

These levels tend to be highest during the afternoon and early evening. When it's hot and sunny, it's likely that ozone will build up at ground level. If it's windy, ozone is less likely to accumulate.

The best defense against poor air quality is to avoid it. Stay indoors as much as possible and limit exercising outdoors. Types and counts of pollen are reported daily on the National Jewish website and daily advisories of local air quality are available from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment. You can sign up for air quality notifications via email or smartphone through EnviroFlash. The Regional Air Quality Council issues ozone advisories at 4 p.m. daily through Aug. 31. The alert remains in effect for 24 hours.

If there is an ozone alert, it will define who is at risk: those with respiratory issues or the general public.

Elise Eller is a volunteer with the Grillo Health Information Center, which offers free and confidential research to help improve health decisions. Contact the Grillo Center located at 4715 Arapahoe Ave, by phone 720-854-7293, or via GrilloCenter.org. No research or assistance should be interpreted as medical advice. We encourage informed consultation with your physician or medical practitioner.

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